On the shelf
PJ Library
Ages 6 months through 8 years

The PJ Library Book Selection Committee has a challenging task: Every month we have to find not one, not two, but eight of the best Jewish children’s books possible. Each title needs to entertain, inspire, and delight its readers — kids and grown-ups alike. These are a few of our recent choices.

 

SIGN LANGUAGE SHABBAT
by Alisa Greenbacher and Jennifer Rosner

PJ Library Subscriber Age: 2

The rituals of Shabbat are beautiful in any language – and that includes American Sign Language (ASL). We think babies and toddlers will love Sign Language Shabbat for its bright photos of a variety of children, each demonstrating an ASL sign for a Shabbat ritual or activity. We know parents will love the way it suggests the warm, welcoming embrace of Shabbat – and its inclusive approach. We hope families will visit the online video demonstration of the ASL signs, too (pjlibrary.org/signlanguageshabbat).

 

AND THERE WAS EVENING AND THERE WAS MORNING
by Harriet Cohen Helfand and Ellen Kahan Zager

PJ Library Subscriber Age: 7

Occasionally the book selection committee comes across a title that is different from anything else it has seen. One recent book is And There Was Evening And There Was Morning, which we find arrestingly lovely. A lyrical translation of Bereshit (Genesis), the Creation story, the book’s wow factor lies in its high-concept design: The illustrations are all based on Hebrew characters. If you get a chance, take a moment to sit with And There Was Evening And There Was Morning and look at the illustrations closely – with a child, or by yourself. We are confident the book will appeal across a wide spectrum of ages – especially since the story itself is the definition of a classic.

On the shelf
PJ Our Way
Ages 9 through 11
 

 

DEATH BY TOILET PAPER 
by Donna Gephart

Benjamin Epstein is having a tough seventh grade year. His father died, leaving the family with serious financial issues, and he and his mom are about to be evicted from their apartment. To further complicate matters, Ben’s Zayde, who has memory problems, is his new roommate—and he snores! Ben has all kinds of creative get-rich-quick schemes involving various contests and sweepstakes, but can he really make enough money to pay the back rent?

“Definitely recommended for people who can hold a huge weight on their heart. This book really made me think how important creativity and family is. THUMBS UP! PAT ON THE BACKTOTHE AUTHOR.” – PJ OUR WAY MEMBER

THE WHOLE STORY OF HALF A GIRL
by Veera Hiranandani

Sixth grader Sonia Nadhamuni is half-Jewish and half-South Asian. When her father loses his job, she is forced to switch from a private, alternative school that she loves to the local public school. Sonia struggles to understand herself and her Jewish identity, particularly in her relationships with Alisha (an African-American aspiring writer) and Kate (a popular cheerleader).

“I love this book because I can totally relate to Sonia. I know how it feels when you feel not very religious, and I know how it feels when you’re almost the only Jew in something.” – PJ OUR WAY MEMBER